With more than 20 artisan vendors, this new boutique offers handcrafted finds and community spirit.
Owner Adriane Murphy, a longtime Flagstaff resident with 15 years of experience in craft fairs and outdoor markets, has created a shop that brings together local vendors offering handmade jewelry, home décor, fresh tortillas, scratch pastas, soap, candles and more.
“The store is bright and cheery and so welcoming,” said Karen Sorensen, a retired business owner. “The selection of products is none like I’ve ever seen.”
“I wanted to have a store that had an interesting selection of products – items that are different and useful,” said Murphy. “Our tortillas, for example, are made by Christopher Hudson and are so amazing! His flour is procured from Hayden Flour Mills and all ingredients are locally sourced.”
Flagstaff has been Murphy’s home since the early 1990s. She earned a degree in education from Northern Arizona University (NAU). “I always wanted to teach but took a side-trail and worked in finance at NAU,” she said.
Murphy then baked cakes for Thornager’s, a former Flagstaff wedding venue. “I worked there for 25 years.”
Her daughter also worked at craft fairs and outdoor markets with her. “We both got to know a lot of talented people. I wanted to open a store but couldn’t decide what kind of store. Then everything just seemed to line up and The Creative Casita was born.”
“The reason I chose The Creative Casita to sell my up-cycled and recycled décor is because I liked Adriane’s vision and spin and the store is so beautiful,” said Doily Rose owner Diana Christina Gabaldon, cousin of “Outlander” series author Diana Gabaldon. “I think shoppers will be so surprised at the variety here.”
The spaces for rent at The Creative Casita range from a bookshelf to small and large booths. “We are filling up fast,” said Murphy. “This has been so fun and the team we’ve put together is great. It’s our own community and everyone is so lovely and helpful to each other.”
Married with two children, ages 17 and 19, Murphy says she is very grateful and blessed. “The way things have lined up, this just feels so peaceful. We will be having our Grand Opening on Aug. 9 and 10.”
“I’ve known Adriane for many years, and she is a super hard worker and so creative,” said Sorensen. “I’m excited for her new business, The Creative Casita. It’s so great that she’s providing opportunities for smaller businesses to get their goods on the market.” FBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN
The Creative Casita is located at 2510 North Fourth Street. For more information, call 928- 856-9182 or visit https://thecreativecasitaaz.com/.
Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Adriane Murphy sells scratch pastas and spice mixes among other items at her new store, The Create Casita, in Flagstaff.
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